Dhaka, March 13, 2025 — The United Nations (UN) has come under scrutiny after its recent decision to relocate its agencies in Dhaka to a property owned by the Bashundhara Group, a powerful conglomerate currently under investigation for massive embezzlement and money laundering charges.
The Bashundhara Group, controlled by the influential Sobhan family, is facing multiple allegations by Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which has launched sweeping efforts to recover billions of dollars allegedly siphoned off during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
Despite these ongoing investigations, UN officials have defended their decision, claiming that “thorough due diligence” was conducted before finalizing the move. However, the relocation has sparked widespread criticism from political analysts, civil society organizations, and the public, questioning the UN’s ethical and transparency standards in engaging with entities under serious corruption probes.
Bangladesh’s Ongoing Crackdown on Corruption and Money Laundering
According to a report commissioned by the interim government, Bangladesh reportedly lost an estimated $16 billion annually due to money laundering during Sheikh Hasina’s administration, highlighting the systemic scale of financial corruption that has plagued the nation for years.
The interim leadership, under Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to reclaim national wealth illegally transferred abroad and bring to justice those involved, including leading business figures and political allies of the previous government.
Public Outcry Over UN’s Association with Bashundhara Group
The move to a Bashundhara-owned building has raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally, with critics accusing the UN of undermining the credibility of its mission in Bangladesh by engaging in business ties with a tainted corporation.
Transparency advocates and human rights groups have also voiced concern, arguing that the UN’s relocation decision contradicts its global commitment to upholding integrity, good governance, and anti-corruption principles.
UN’s Justification and Ongoing Debate
Responding to the backlash, UN representatives insisted that the new premises were selected following “a competitive and transparent process” and that the decision was made based on logistical and security needs.
However, the debate continues over whether it is appropriate for an international body like the UN to associate financially with an entity under high-profile criminal investigation.
Implications for UN’s Role in Bangladesh
This controversy could impact the UN’s reputation and operational effectiveness in Bangladesh, especially as it continues to oversee humanitarian and development programs, including those related to the Rohingya refugee crisis and poverty alleviation.
Critics argue that such decisions might erode public trust in international organizations, potentially limiting their influence and ability to mediate in politically sensitive issues within Bangladesh.
Conclusion: A Test for UN’s Integrity Amid Political Transition in Bangladesh
As Bangladesh navigates a challenging political and economic transition under its interim leadership, the UN’s association with the Bashundhara Group raises serious questions about its alignment with anti-corruption efforts and ethical responsibility.
Calls are growing louder for the UN to reconsider its decision and ensure that its operations in Bangladesh do not compromise international standards of transparency, neutrality, and accountability.
